Laughter for healing and healing laughter as a ministry is my “The Ways Wy Was” focus. Today I begin a 12 day saga of Challenges and Choices. Have you ever been asked the question, “What makes you laugh?” I woke up with this on my mind as I read my focus scripture. I started my day thinking about the life and death of my GirlMic, Leslie and what she did that would make me smile. Since I am writing a 100 word saga series, I have to measure my words into capsules. The capsule today is my working through the sadness wilderness.

#Wys Waysof Wellness: This picture is the last picture my GirlMicLeslie took as we celebrated in Nashville Opryland in June 2015. I woke up with a smile because of her smile. My #InspiredGratitude 25 award goes to her and her Quiet Giver spirit for all the gifts of love we now enjoy.

When we started our day at 06:35, we listened to the song , “It is Well.” We realized the significance that GirlMic/Leslie had been in this silent scream for 40 days. Her body had diminished but her soul and spirit had produced 40 silent sermons to all whom entered ICU Wilderness 312. Her Nurses Ariel and Bree and RT Cynthia cared for her and we played music, “Take Me To The King” and “I Can Only Imagine” while praying. Her visitors were Valerie, Doug, Robert, Lynn, Silas, Greg, and me. We held her, kissed her and shared how we loved her. GirlMic/Leslie’s Sermons are Completed!

07:35 Greg and I sit at Leslie’s bedside and watch as Chrissie and Dr Walker starts their assessments. Dr. G. Kraus comes and gives us a “Litany of Compassion For the Sick” writing and she is given her freedom from the ventilator. The room is full of family and staff as we sing, pray and play a a Daryl Coley song, “Can’t tell It All.” Chrissie starts a MS drip and we are blessed to see her breathing on her own. Dr. K.L. Bryan starts the Hospice Care admission arrangements. I left Greg and GirlMic/Leslie so they could spend time together.

07:00 ! walk in to find Nurse Zach moving quickly as he gives me the news that Leslie has GI bleeding. She has required Platelets and Blood. Dr. Kraus and Omer visited and Nurse Chrissie started her shift.

08:15 I start to sing aloud. “I need you to survive.” Si, Doug, Greg, Valerie, Ann and Jerome are here. We are told of the critical nature of this new complication. More family members, Glenise, Ken, Corliss, Lynn, Pat, AJ, Chris Hill and Pastor Holloway are here. We pray and play healing songs. We read Psalm 117. She is not responsive but I see a tear. .